The majority of the country’s 36 state governors have endorsed the creation of state police to decisively contain the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
This decision cameduring a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing the proposal one step closer to reality. A final resolution is expected to be reached in January 2025.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who spoke to the press after the meeting, confirmed that all 36 states had submitted their recommendations in favor of establishing state police.
While the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Nyesom Wike did not present its proposal, the overwhelming support from the other states emphasized the urgent need for tailored security measures to address the specific challenges faced by each region.
Governor Sani explained that the push for state police is driven by the recognition of Nigeria’s vast ungoverned areas and the shortage of security personnel. He highlighted that the current security forces, including the police and military, are stretched thin and unable to effectively cover all areas of the country. The governors believe that state police would enhance local security efforts and offer a more effective response to the growing violence in many regions.
Although the NEC meeting did not finalize the creation of state police, it was agreed that further consultations would take place before a decision is made. The next NEC meeting, scheduled for January 2025, will include additional discussions and stakeholder engagements to ensure all concerns are addressed before a final resolution is passed.
The establishment of state police is seen as a crucial step in addressing the worsening security situation in Nigeria, where the central government’s security agencies have struggled to contain the rising tide of violence and insecurity.